Pakistan Hopes Moscow Will Mediate Pakistani-Indian Settlement

Pakistan hopes that Moscow will mediate the settlement of Pakistani-Indian relations, President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan noted, while talking to RIA NOVOSTI and ITAR-TASS correspondents on the eve of his visit to the Russian capital. Musharraf intends to inform the Russian leadership in great detail about the origin of the Kashmir dispute and its subsequent development, also dwelling on specific efforts being exerted in order to solve the Kashmir problem.

The President of Pakistan emphasized the fact that, starting with 1947, various debates as regards the Kashmir problem were a key aspect of defusing South Asian tensions. Regional peace and prosperity are inseparably linked with an equitable and fair solution to this problem, Musharraf went on to say.

At the same time, Musharraf believes that India is deliberately hampering the fastest possible solution to this problem (in line with the Kashmir nation's wishes), as is stated by UN Security Council resolutions. The Russian Federation, which is a world power, and which is India's close friend, can play an important role in settling this dispute as soon as possible, the President of Pakistan added.